http://oilspillaction.com/new-test-results-8-out-of-8-blood-samples-from-bp-cleanup-workers-test-positive-for-toxic-chemicals-found-in-bp-oil-snip-
The tests at a Florida laboratory checked for Volatile Organic Chemicals associated with a host of serious health problems. Subra’s disturbing findings cry out for a more sustained public-health response. To that end, I am calling for immediate funding from BP for coastal health clinics. We need to ensure people are getting the care they need. An improved public-health response would not only be costly for BP – or, more likely, the taxpayers – but it would also tie the oil giant to all those health problems that won’t surface for years.
That’s important as the November transition begins for BP claims payments. Spill victims who know that dangerous BP-fingerprinted chemicals are already in their blood might be less willing to sign away future legal options in order to secure a final settlement from the Feinberg claims facility. And avoiding liability – really, another way of saying “avoiding responsibility” – is the real BP priority here.
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and
BP Oil Spill Taking Toll on Louisiana Indian Tribe
The effects of the BP oil spill on the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe’s economy has been devastating. The Louisiana tribe gets a large portion of their income from the summer fishing season, which was lost to oil and a fearful market this year.
“If you take a percentage of the tribe, then maybe 25 percent of the tribe, their sole income is this time of the year,” said the tribe’s chief, Chuckie Verdin, 53.
-snip-
Fishing bans put into place following the oil spill put much of the tribe out of work. Some went to work for BP. Others filed for reimbursement, but even that has proven difficult lately, since “people who were not in the fishing business came in and wanted to make claims, and BP officials saw that and started getting stricter,” Verdin said.
No response was received from BP as of press deadline.
-snip-
Contamination tests on local shellfish and soil from the local waters showed high levels of toxins. Verdin investigated the issue with Lower Mississippi River Keeper Paul Orr, from the Water Keeper Alliance, the organization that found the infamous “Dead Bird Island,” a video that can be seen on YouTube where dead and dying birds litter the ground.
-snip-
Although the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe was officially recognized by the state of Louisiana in 2004, they are not recognized by the federal government. A 2008 Department of the Interior press release notes that the tribe “has never had a treaty or other formal relationship with the federal government.”
The tribe’s website says that being federally recognized, “would allow for more direct assistance to the tribe in cleanup and assessment measures,” amid the current disaster.
-snip-
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so recognize them already! come on Dept.of Interior step up!
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